By Hanifah Jones, Staff writer
Susquehanna University hosted its annual Celebrating Scholarship Luncheon in the Evert Dining Room to an audience of donors, faculty, and students.
On April 8, the Luncheon served as a thank you to the donors who support Susquehanna students by providing additional financial assistance. Many donors were present and sat with the recipients of their awards.
Guests were treated to faculty speakers, such as Susquehanna University President Jonathan Green and Mary Muolo. The audience also received speeches from students who were recipients of donor scholarships.
One speaker was senior Gabriela Marrero who accredited her parents and her scholarship donors for their contributions to her success.
“Donor scholarships are the reason that I am here at Susquehanna, receiving a quality education,” Marrero said, “Without the kindness of donors and my time at Susquehanna, I would not be the college educated Latina woman that I am today.”
Involved with the Johnson Center for Civic Engagement and SU Give, Marrero is no stranger to giving back to the community.
Marrero said, “Donors inspire me because they see potential and students and believe in us to carry out their mission. It’s all about paying it forward and when someone believes in you enough to advance your education, it means so much.”
Senior Samantha D’Amico spoke about how she found her calling at Susquehanna, changing her major from Biology to Broadcast Journalism.
With the help of donors, she was able to intern at the Cannes Film Festival in France. She also spoke about her post-graduate aspirations, and her dreams of writing and producing television shows and movies.
First-year Bailey Hackenberry felt a significant responsibility to attend this event.
“I know from experience that everyone who receives a scholarship is forever thankful to each and every donor,” said Hackenberry.
Hackenberry is a Finance and Economics double major who is actively involved in political science events, which Hackenberry can do because of donors.
Hackenberry said: “It was a fantastic experience to see all of the donors and scholarship reecipiants come together to share a part of our day together. Although the donors for my scholarship were uanble to attend, I still enjoyed speaking to all of the other donors and thank them for their continuous generousity, as without them many students wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend Susquehanna.”